Silhouette by Tobias Dostal

Effect

Silhouette is a modern shadow magic trick that uses a borrowed phone's flashlight to create impossible visual illusions. The audience sees shadows appear, disappear, and transform in ways that defy logic. For example, a card vanishes from the performer's hand and reappears as a shadow on the wall, or a shadow of a rose is plucked from the wall and becomes a real rose in the performer's hand. The effect is trippy, nostalgic, and visually striking, often leaving spectators stunned.

Full Details

Silhouette comes with a set of well-made props designed for multiple routines. The trick requires assembling a few components, but the process is simple and quick. A flip phone case is recommended for smoother handling, though it can be performed with any phone. The included tutorial is thorough, covering various routines such as:

• A hand shadow that remains on the wall after the performer moves away.
• A card that vanishes and reappears in shadow form.
• A rose that materializes from a shadow.
• Impossible shadows (like C-3PO) that appear unexpectedly.

The trick works best in low-light environments, making it ideal for dimly lit performances, stage shows, or intimate settings.

Who Should Consider the Trick

Silhouette is great for magicians who:

• Want a visually stunning, original effect.
• Perform in controlled lighting (stage, parlour, or close-up in dim settings).
• Enjoy interactive, modern magic that plays with perception.
• Appreciate props that are portable and easy to set up.

It may not suit performers who need tricks for brightly lit environments or impromptu situations.

Difficulty Level

Silhouette is not technically difficult, but it requires practice to master the timing and presentation. Some reviewers noted that the initial setup feels fiddly, but after an hour of practice, the movements become natural. The real challenge is finding the right performance conditions (lighting, angles) rather than complex sleight of hand.

What Magicians Say

• Steve Faulkner (RealMagicReview): "It's completely original, very magical, and surprisingly easy once you get the hang of it. The reactions are fantastic—people just don’t expect it."
• Another Reviewer: "At first, I thought it might be gimmicky, but after performing it, I realized how strong the reactions are. It’s not for every situation, but when it works, it’s a showstopper."
• On Versatility: "You need the right lighting, but if you can control the environment, this is one of the most unique tricks out there."

Silhouette is praised for its creativity and strong audience impact, making it a worthwhile addition for magicians looking for something fresh and visually engaging.